Pouch with spout

ABSTRACT

A reclosable container with a slider arranged to open and close interlockable profiles on the mouth of the container. The profiles are fixed together at one end but are separable at the other end to allow a gusset to fold outwardly to form a pour spout.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/411,908, filed Sep. 19, 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to improved methods and apparatus forpackaging, and, in particular, to improved containers which include asliding element.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a reclosable slidercontainer that has improved means for pouring the contents of thecontainer.

One embodiment of the invention might involve a flexible reclosablecontainer having a flat bottom upon which the container can standupright. The container has a side in which there is formed a foldablegusset and also has a mouth. There is a pair of interlockable fastenerstrips mounted on the mouth of the container with the strips beingjoined together at one end and separable at the other end. The gusset isunfoldable to an exterior position when the strips are separated to forma spout for pouring the contents from the interior of the container.

Another embodiment of the invention might involve a container comprisingnonrigid sheet material formed to have a mouth, having first and secondsides. The mouth also has first and second ends. A first fastener stripis attached to the sheet material at the first side of the mouth. Thefirst strip has a first end and a second end with the first end of thefirst strip attached at the first end of the mouth. A second fastenerstrip is attached to the sheet material at the second side of the mouth.The second strip has a first end and a second end with a first end ofthe second strip attached to the first end of the mouth. The first stripand the second strip are capable of releasable connection to each other.A slider is received on the strips and is movable in a first directiontoward the first end of the mouth to connect the first strip to thesecond strip and is movable in a second direction toward the second endof the mouth to disconnect the first strip from the second strip. Thefirst end of the first strip is not attached to the first end of thesecond strip. The sheet of material forms a gusset at the first end ofthe mouth.

Still another embodiment of the invention involves a flexible,reclosable container having a pair of side walls forming a mouth havingfirst and second sides. The mouth has first and second ends. A firstinterlockable profile is attached proximate a first side of the mouthwith the first profile having a first end and a second end. The firstend of the first profile is attached proximate the first end of themouth. A second interlockable profile is attached proximate a secondside of the mouth. The second profile has a first end and a second endwith the first end of the second profile being attached proximate thefirst end of said mouth. The first profile and the second profile areadapted and configured to releasably interlock with each other. There isprovided a slider, slidingly coupled to the first profile and the secondprofile such that sliding the slider in a first direction toward thefirst end of mouth interlocks said first profile to said second profile.And sliding said slider in a second direction toward the second end ofthe mouth unlocks the first profile from the second profile. The firstend of the first profile is not attached to the first end of the secondprofile and one of the first end of the first profile or the first endof the second profile includes an end stop for limiting the movement ofthe slider in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an apparatus according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as taken alonglines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as takenalong lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of theapparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of an apparatus according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as taken alonglines 7-7 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as takenalong lines 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 9 astaken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 10 astaken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 12 astaken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the slidable cutter of FIG. 12 as takenalong line 14-14 of FIG. 12 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG.7 as taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 16 is a front, side and top perspective view of a reclosablecontainer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows the container of FIG. 16 in the opened state.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 13 of a slidable cutter according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16 of a further embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 are perspective views similar to FIG. 19 of stillfurther embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of thestructure of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a vertical section taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 23 inthe direction of the arrows.

FIG. 25 is a vertical section taken along the line 25-25 of FIG. 23 inthe direction of the arrows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

This application incorporates by reference the following U.S. patentapplications Ser. No. 08/965,722, filed Nov. 7, 1997, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 5,956,924; Ser. No. 09/090,851, filed Jun. 4, 1998, whichissued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,763; Ser. No. 09/493,718, filed Jan. 28,2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,423; Ser. No. 60/330,140,filed Oct. 17, 2001; Ser. No. 10/107,694, filed Mar. 27, 2002; Ser. No.60/368,243, filed Mar. 28, 2002; Ser. No. 60/389,193, filed Jun. 17,2002; and Ser. No. 10/228,236, filed Aug. 26, 2002.

The present invention pertains to improved methods and apparatus forcontainers. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is acontainer of semi-rigid paper or cardboard walls which includes withinit a roll of flexible film, such as the type of film used by consumersto cover an object that has food on it. The flexible film held withinthis container is wrapped on a roll and must be cut to the desiredlength by the consumer. In one embodiment of the present invention, atracked, slidable cutter is positioned along an open edge of thecontainer. The flexible film can be drawn out of the container by theconsumer and placed over a track along one edge of the container. Theconsumer then moves the slidable cutter along the track, cutting theflexible film to the desired length. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the slidable cutter moves along a rigid track. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the slidable cutter moves along apair of flexible interengagable strips or members. In some embodiments,the strips are fastened to each other at each end of the path of theslidable cutter. In yet other embodiments, the strips are fastened toeach other at only one end, and are not fastened to each other at anyother position along the length of the cutter path.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is apreferably flexible container, such as a stand up pouch, preferablyincluding one or more folding gussets along one of the sides. Thiscontainer includes a mouth through which a consumer can remove contentsof the container, or add something to the container. A pair ofinterlockable fastener profiles, which can be flexible, semi-rigid orrigid, extend along the mouth. A slider is coupled to the profiles, andcan be slid along the length thereof for repeated unlocking andinterlocking of the profiles. In one embodiment, the profiles are fusedtogether at one end, and are not otherwise attached to each other alongtheir length, except for the engagement that occurs as a result of theinterlocking of the profiles. The unattached end of interlockablefastener strips is positioned at the end of the container which isintended to be the opened end of the container. When the slider is movedfrom this unattached end toward the fused end of the interlockablefastener strips, the extent to which the mouth of the container can beopened is not limited or constrained by the fastener strips, since thefastener strips are not attached to each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the unattached and uncoupledends of the fastener profile are along a side of a container thatincludes a folding gusset which can be folded outward to form a pouringspout. The opened width of the spout is greater than the width thatcould be obtained if the fastener profiles were coupled to each other atthe spout end. The present invention also contemplates those embodimentswhich do not include any side gussets, and which are not stand uppouches.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an apparatus 30 is shown according toone embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 30 includes acontainer 32 having an opening 34. A supply 35 of flexible film islocated within container 32. In one embodiment, container 32 iscomprised of a plurality of semi-rigid cardboard walls 37, and theflexible film is a low density polyethylene film suitable for coveringand storing food. However, the present invention is not so limited andcontemplates container walls of any type, including both rigid andflexible types. Further, the contents of the container can be any typeof sheet or film, including plastic, paper, and metal foil, as examples.Further, the supply can be on a roll, and can also be folded orotherwise stored within the container.

Container 32 includes an edge 38 along a wall 37. As best seen in FIG.3, a cutting assembly 40 is mounted along the length of edge 38. Cuttingassembly 40 includes a cutting guide 42 (as best seen in FIG. 4).Cutting guide 42 defines an internal track 44. Track 44 is closed ateach end, having first and second track endstops 46 and 48.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, cutting assembly 40 is coupled proximateto edge 38 by a first adherent surface coating 50 which is applied toone surface of a lip 57. Cutting assembly 40 preferably includes a firstremovable cover 52 which is located along adherent surface coating 50prior to attachment of track 44 to wall 37. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, cutting assembly 40 is stored within container 32when apparatus 30 is first presented to a consumer for purchase, orbefore apparatus 30 is used for its supply 35 of film. In thisembodiment, the user or consumer opens a new container 32, removescutting assembly 40 from the interior of the container, and removesfirst cover 52 from first adherent surface coating 50. The consumer oruser then locates cutting assembly 40 along the length of edge 38proximate to container opening 34. Surface coating 50 maintains cuttingassembly 40 in the adhered position along edge 38 (as best seen in FIG.3) preferably until the supply 35 of flexible film is exhausted.Although what has been shown and described is a cutting assembly storedwithin the container prior to first use, the present invention alsocontemplates those embodiments in which one or more portions of thecutting assembly are attached to the container prior to usage of thecontainer by the consumer.

Referring to FIG. 4, cutting assembly 40 preferably includes a secondadherent surface coating 54 placed adjacent to the opening of track 44.Prior to usage of cutting assembly 40, a second removable cover 56protects adherent surface coating 54. After cutting assembly 40 has beenadhered along edge 38, the user removes cover 56 and exposes adherentsurface coating 54. As the free edge 36 of the supply 35 of film iswithdrawn from container 32, the film can be adhered to coating 54 bythe user at a location that relates to the desired cut width of thefilm. In some embodiments, cutting guide 42 includes a second adhesivelayer 54.1, such that adhesive layers 54 and 54.1 are located on eitherside of the opening of track 44. After removal of covers 56 and 56.1,the exposed adherent surfaces can be used to hold stationary the film tobe cut.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternate cutting guide 42 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. The use of a prime (′) designationafter an element number (XX′) refers to a feature of the invention thatis the same as the non-prime feature (XX) previously described exceptfor those differences shown and described hereafter. Cutting guide 42′includes a second lip 58 spaced apart from first lip 57′ so as to form aslot 59 therebetween. Slot 59 is adapted and configured to accepttherein free edge 38 of container 32. In some embodiments, the surfacesforming slot 59 are smooth and uncoated, whereas in other embodiments,one or more surfaces of slot 59 include an adherent coating.

Cutting assembly 40 preferably includes a slidable cutter 70, as bestseen in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. Cutter 70 includes a cutting element 72located at the narrow end of a converging guide defined by walls 76 aand 76 b. Slidable cutter 70 includes a body 78 which is adapted andconfigured to slide within track 44. A fingergrip 74 extends outwardfrom body 78.

Cutter 70 is slidable within and retained within track 44 of cuttingguide 42 along the length thereof. Track endstops 46 and 48 preventcutter 70 from sliding free of track 44. The outwardly extending flangesof body 78 are preferably freely slidable within track 44. Finger grip74 may be of any configuration suitable for gripping with the finger ofthe hand of the user. Referring to FIG. 13, cutting element 72preferably includes a sharp edge which faces toward the divergingportion of converging guide 76. In one embodiment, cutting element 72includes a sharp-edged metal surface, although the present inventioncontemplates any cutting edge fabricated from any type of material whichis sufficiently sharp to cut the film contained within container 32. Inone embodiment, cutting element 72 is oriented at about a right anglerelative to the path of track 44. However, as best seen in FIG. 18, analternate slidable cutter 70′ includes a cutting element 72′ which isoriented at an acute angle relative to track 44. By placing cuttingelement 72′ at a non-perpendicular angle relative to track 44, movementof the cutter within the track places additional shearing action on thefilm to be cut.

Operation of apparatus 30 is as follows. A consumer opens container 32and grabs free edge 36 of the supply 35 of film. The free edge isbrought out of container 32, placed over the top surface of cuttingguide 42, and temporarily adhered to adherent surface coating 54 inorder to maintain the film in place. Slidable cutter 70 is then moved bythe user along track 44 from endstop 46 toward endstop 48. As thesliding motion occurs, the portion of film extending across the openmouth of track 44 slides between converging surfaces 76 a and 76 b (FIG.13) and is thereby fed toward cutting element 72. Cutting element 72cuts the film as cutter 70 slides toward endstop 48. After the film hasbeen cut, slider 70 is returned back to a home position near endstop 46in preparation for the next cutting of the film.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, an apparatus 130 is shown according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The use of a one hundredseries prefix (1XX) before an element number (XX) refers to a feature ofthe invention that is the same as the non-prefixed feature (XX)previously shown and described except for those differences shown anddescribed hereafter. Apparatus 130 includes a container 132 having anopening 134. A supply 135 of flexible film is located within container132. In one embodiment, container 132 is comprised of a plurality ofsemi-rigid cardboard walls 137, and the flexible film is a low densitypolyethylene film suitable for covering and storing food.

Container 132 includes an edge 138 along a wall 137. As best seen inFIGS. 6 and 8, a cutting assembly 140 is mounted along the length ofedge 138. Cutting assembly 140 includes a cutting guide 142 (as bestseen in FIG. 15). Cutting guide 142 includes a second lip 158 spacedapart from a first lip 157 so as to form a slot 159 therebetween. Slot159 is adapted and configured to accept therein free edge 138 ofcontainer 132. In some embodiments, the consumer opens a new container132, removes cutting assembly 140 from the interior of the container,and then places free edge 138 of wall 137 within slot 159. In someembodiments, wall 137 is retained within slot 159 by friction; whereasin other embodiments, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or the like canbe used to attach cutting assembly 140 along edge 138. Further, thepresent invention contemplates those embodiments in which the cuttingassembly is integrally cast or molded onto a wall of the container.

Apparatus 130 includes a cutting assembly 140. Cutting assembly 140includes a cutting guide 142 and a slidable cutter 170. As best seen inFIGS. 6 and 15, cutting guide 142 includes a first, lower grippingmember 143 and a second, upper, preferably flexible gripping member 144.Cutting guide 142 preferably includes a second flexible gripping member144 located above the lower first gripping member 143. Each grippingmember 143 and 144 preferably includes one or more mating or alignmentfeatures on the inner, opposing faces of the gripping members. Referringto FIG. 15, lower gripping member 143 is shown with a projecting malemating feature 145 b. Upper gripping member 144 is shown with acorresponding female mating feature 145 a. These mating features arepreferably complementary in shape, although the present inventioncontemplates those embodiments in which the mating features are notcomplementary, but in which the male feature fits within a portion ofthe female feature. Further, the present invention contemplates thoseembodiments in which the male mating feature can be on either the uppergripping or the lower gripping member. Further, the present inventioncontemplates those embodiments in which the gripping members includemultiple male and female mating features. The present invention alsocontemplates those embodiments in which only one of the gripping membersincludes a male feature, and the opposing surface of the other grippingmember does not having a corresponding female mating feature.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second gripping members 143and 144 are joined together at a combined endstop 146 located at one endof the length of the gripping members. The members may be attached toeach other in any manner, including fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat,riveting, or use of adhesive, as examples. In one embodiment, theopposing end of the length of lower gripping member 143 does not includean endstop, although the present invention contemplates thoseembodiments in which an endstop is included. Preferably, the opposingend of upper gripping member 144 includes a single endstop 148. Endstops146 and 148 limit the sliding movement of slidable cutter 170 alongtheir length. In one embodiment, gripping members 143 and 144 are notconnected to each other except at combined endstop 146, and except bythe squeezing action of slidable cutter 170. As shown in FIG. 6, in oneembodiment upper gripping member 144 is flexible, and when cutter 170 isplaced near endstop 146, member 144 can be flexibly separated from lowergripping member 146 and spaced apart from lower gripping member 143.However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments inwhich upper gripping member 144 is rigid or semi-rigid and includes ahinging section (not shown) near endstop 146 which permits pivotingmotion of gripping member 144 away from gripping member 143.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 15, slidable cutter 170 is slidable along thelength of gripping members 143 and 144. Each gripping member includes ashoulder 149 which protrudes outwardly from the respective grippingmember. Slidable cutter 170 includes a pair of inwardly dependingexternal feet 186 (refer to FIGS. 10 and 11) which co-act with shoulders149 to make it difficult to pull cutter 170 off the gripping members.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 depict various views of slidable cutter 170. Cutter170 includes a cutting element 172 located within the converging end ofa slot defined by converging walls 176 a and 176 b. Cutter 170 includesa finger grip 174 attached to a body 178. Body 178 includes upper andlower walls 180 a and 180 b which slide over the outward faces ofgripping members 143 and 144, respectively (as best seen in FIG. 8).Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair of internal ribs 182 a and 182 bdepend inwardly from upper and lower walls 180 a and 180 b,respectively, and toward each other. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, cutting element 170 includes a separator 184 located withinthe interior of body 178. Separator 184 includes a narrow end useful forprying between interior facing surfaces of gripping members 143 and 144,and a wider end for separating apart gripping members 143 and 144.

Operation of apparatus 130 is as follows. A consumer opens container 132and grabs free edge 136 of supply 135 of film. Upper gripping member 144is moved away from lower gripping member 143, and the free end 136 fromthe supply 135 of film is placed on top of lower gripping member 143.Upper gripping member 144 is then released such that free edge 136 isloosely sandwiched between opposing faces of the gripping members. Inorder to cut the film, sliding cutter 170 is moved from combinedendstops 146 toward single endstop 148. As the gripping members slidewithin the interior of cutting element 170, internal ribs 182 a and 182b press the gripping members together. The film is held in place byfriction from the mating faces of the gripping members. The co-action ofmale mating feature 145 b within female mating feature 145 a increasesthe frictional hold of the gripping members on the film. Grippingmembers 143 and 144 securely hold the film as cutting element 172 cutsthe film. In some embodiments of the present invention, gripping members143 and 144 include interlockable profile elements. In theseembodiments, separator 184 of cutter 70 assists in releasing theinterlock of the profile members.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict an apparatus 1030 according to another embodimentof the present invention. Apparatus 1030 includes a stand up pouchcontainer 1032 preferably fabricated from flexible or semi-rigidmaterial. Container 1032 can contain any type of contents, including forexample, a drink, candy, potting soil, or other pourable material.Container 1032 includes a mouth 1034 which is generally opposite of abottom 1035 a. In some embodiments, container 1032 includes a bottom1035 a adapted and configured to permit container 1032 to stand. A pairof sidewalls 1035 b and 1035 c extend from mouth 1034 to the bottom 1035a. Preferably, container 1032 includes at least one side 1036 having afolding side gusset.

Preferably, container 1032 includes a pair of extended lips 1039 whichextend from mouth 1034 upwardly toward a pair of interlockable fastenerstrips 1043 and 1044. Fastener strip 1043 includes a first interlockableprofile 1045 a, and second interlockable fastener strip 1044 includes asecond interlockable profile 1045 b. Interlockable profiles 1045 a and1045 b may be of any type easily interlockable and separable. Fastenerstrips 1043 and 1044 are preferably joined together at combined endstop1046 by any suitable means including fusion by ultrasonics and/or heat,adhesion and mechanical joining. In one embodiment, fastener strips 1043and 1044 are not otherwise joined or coupled together, except atcombined endstop 1046 and except as by action of a movable slider 1070.Slider 1070 is slidably coupled to fastener strips 1043 and 1044.Movement of slider 1070 in a first direction interlocks profiles 1045 aand 1045 b. Movement of slider 1070 in the opposite direction unlocksprofiles 1045 a and 1045 b from each other. As shown in FIG. 17, in someembodiments of the present invention, only one of the fastener stripsincludes an endstop 1048 to prevent disengagement of slider 1070 fromthe fastener strips. However, the present invention also contemplatesthose embodiments in which each fastener strip includes a single endstop1048.

In some embodiments, mouth 1034 of container 1032 includes one or moreareas including a peelable seal, as shown in cross-hatch in FIG. 17. Insome embodiments, peel seal 1038 extends in the inner surface of mouth1034 along the length of container 1032. Further, in some embodiments,peel seal 1034 extends on both inner and outer surfaces of the top ofside gusset 1036. In some embodiments, peel seal 1038 is a one-time peelseal which does not rejoin to itself after opening of container 1032 andinitial separation of mouth 1034. However, in other embodiments, peelseal 1034 retains an ability to adhere to itself during subsequentreclosing of container 1032.

As shown in FIG. 16, movement of slider 1070 along fastener strips 1043and 1044 toward the leftward end (as viewed in FIG. 16) results ininterlocking of the fastener strips, and closure of mouth 1034. Foldingside gusset 1036 is tucked in toward the interior of container 1032.Referring to FIG. 17, movement of slider 1070 toward the rightward and(as viewed in FIG. 17) results in the unlocking of fastener strips 1043and 1044. Since the fastener strips are not attached to each other atthe leftward end of container 1032, mouth 1034 can be spread apart andfolding side gusset 1036 can be pulled outward to form a pouring spout1037. Spout 1037 provides accurate, convenient means for the consumer topour contents from the interior of container 1032.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 19. Thecontainer 1055 of FIG. 19 is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and17 except for the fact that the upper edge 1050 of the folding sidegusset extends upwardly a greater extent than the folding side gusset1036 of FIG. 17. Thus in some embodiments of the invention the materialof which the container is made may be a single sheet of plastic in whichthe upper edge of the sheet is straight across including the upper edge1050 of the gusset and the portion of the sheet attached to theinterlockable profiles 1045 a and 1045 b.

FIG. 23 shows one example of a slider 1070, interlockable profile 1045 aand 1045 b and plastic sheet 1056 that might be used in the container1055. FIGS. 24 and 25 show sections taken in the direction of the arrowsalong the lines 24-24 and 25-25 in FIG. 23. The slider 1070 straddlesthe interlockable fastener strips 1043 and 1044. The slider has a fixedseparator member 1057 which extends down between the profiles 1045 a and1045 b for the purpose of separating them and opening the mouth of thecontainer when the slider is moved to the right as viewed in FIGS. 17and 23. When the slider is moved leftwardly as viewed in FIGS. 17 and23, the slider functions to close the profile elements and to connectthem as shown in FIG. 25.

The apparatus has various alternative versions. As mentioned, oneembodiment includes the end stop 1048 which prevents the slider fromcoming off the fastener strip 1043. In FIG. 20 there is illustrated acontainer 1060 which is identical to the container of FIG. 19 but has noend stop 1048. Thus the slider 1070 is removable from the fastenerstrips 1043 and 1044 as suggested by arrow 1060. In other respects theembodiment of FIG. 20 is identical to the embodiment of FIG. 19. Furtherexamples of the invention are shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 which areidentical to the embodiments of FIGS. 19 and 20 with the exception thatthey are not standup containers; however, they both have the same pourspout capability of the containers of FIGS. 19 and 20.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatuscomprising a container of sheet material, the container including anopening for removing sheet material and a cutting assembly. The cuttingassembly includes a track and a cutting element slidable within thetrack. The cutting element is adapted and configured for cutting of thesheet material.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an apparatuscomprising a container, a cutter, and a cutting guide. The containerincludes a wall having an edge. The cutting guide is attached to thecontainer proximate the edge. The cutting element co-acts with thecutting guide so that the cutting element and cutting guide are slidablycaptured together.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention concerns an apparatuscomprising a flexible reclosable container having a pair of sidewalls, abottom, and a mouth opposite the bottom. Located along opposing sides ofthe mouth are first and second interlockable fastener strips. Thefastener strips are joined to each other at one end of the mouth. Thestrips are not joined to each other at the other end of the mouth. Someembodiments of the invention further include a slider for repeatedlocking and unlocking of the interlockable fastener strips.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a flexiblereclosable container arranged and configured to have a generally flatbottom on which the container can stand. One side of the containerincludes a folding gusset. The mouth of the container includes a pair ofinterlockable fastener strips which are joined together at one end, andnot joined together at the other end. When the fastener strips areseparated, the side gusset can be unfolded to an exterior positionwhereby the top of the gusset proximate to the mouth of the bag forms aspout for pouring contents from the interior of the container.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A flexible, reclosable container comprising: a pair of sidewallsforming a mouth having first and second sides, said mouth having firstand second ends; a first interlockable profile attached proximate afirst side of said mouth, said first profile having a first end and asecond end, the first end of said first profile being attached proximatethe first end of said mouth; a second interlockable profile attachedproximate a second side of said mouth, said second profile having afirst end and a second end, the first end of said second profile beingattached proximate the first end of said mouth, said first profile andsaid second profile being adapted and configured to releasably interlockwith each other; a slider slidingly coupled to said first profile andsaid second profile such that sliding said slider in a first directiontoward the first end of said mouth interlocks said first profile to saidsecond profile, and sliding said slider in a second direction toward thesecond end of said mouth unlocks said first profile from said secondprofile; wherein the first end of said first profile is not attached tothe first end of said second profile, and one of the first end of saidfirst profile or the first end of said second profile includes an endstop for limiting the movement of said slider in the first direction. 2.The container of claim 1 wherein said pair of sidewalls form a gusset atthe first end of said mouth.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein saidpair of sidewalls form an extendable spout at the first end of saidmouth.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein the second end of said firstprofile is attached to the second end of said second profile, and atleast one of the second end of said first profile or the second end ofsaid second profile includes an end stop for limiting the movement ofsaid slider in the second direction.
 5. The container of claim 1 whereinboth the first end of said first profile and the first end of saidsecond profile include an end stop for limiting the movement of saidslider in the first direction.
 6. A container comprising: non-rigidsheet material formed to have a mouth having first and second sides,said mouth having first and second ends. a first fastener strip attachedto said sheet material at the first side of said mouth, said first striphaving a first end and a second end with the first end of the firststrip attached at the first end of said mouth. a second fastener stripattached to said sheet material at the second side of said mouth, saidsecond strip having a first end and a second end with the first end ofthe second strip attached to the first end of said mouth, said firststrip and said second strip being capable of releasable connection toeach other. a slider received on said strips and movable in a firstdirection toward the first end of the mouth to connect the first stripto the second strip and movable in a second direction toward the secondend of the mouth to disconnect the first strip from the second strip.wherein the first end of the first strip is not attached to the firstend of the second strip, said sheet material forming a gusset at thefirst end of the mouth.
 7. The container of claim 6 additionallycomprising an end stop mounted on said first strip at the first end ofthe first strip for limiting movement of the slider in the firstdirection.
 8. The container of claim 6 additionally comprising a firstend stop and a second end stop, said first end stop being mounted onsaid first strip at the first end of the first strip for limitingmovement of the slider in the first direction, said second end stopbeing mounted on said second strip at the first end of said second stripfor limiting movement of the slider in the first direction.
 9. Thecontainer of claim 6 wherein said slider is moveable in the firstdirection off of said strips.
 10. A flexible reclosable container havinga flat bottom upon which the container can stand upright, said containerhaving a side in which there is formed a foldable gusset. said containerhaving a mouth. a pair of interlockable fastener strips mounted on themouth of said container; said strips being joined together at one endand separable at the other end. said gusset being unfoldable to anexterior position when the strips are separated to form a spout forpouring contents from the interior of said container.
 11. The containerof claim 10 additionally comprising a slider received on and slidablealong said fastener strips for connecting and separating said fastenerstrips for opening and closing said mouth.